2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA Revealed: 800V EV Architecture, 657km Range, and 1.5L Mild-Hybrid Confirmed for Australia

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the third-generation 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA, heralding a massive technological and dimensional leap for the brand's popular compact luxury SUV.

By unifying its compact SUV portfolio under the MMA platform, Mercedes-Benz has engineered the third-generation GLA as an "electric-first" vehicle. In doing so, this single new model generation will effectively replace both the outgoing internal-combustion GLA and the fully electric EQA Down Under.

Electric Powertrains: 800V Architecture and Up to 657km Range

The pure-electric GLA lineup introduces a benchmark 800-volt high-voltage electrical system, enabling ultra-fast DC charging speeds of up to 320kW. When plugged into a high-output 800V charger, the vehicle can add 270km of driving range in just 10 minutes.

The electric lineup launches in three distinct variants:

• GLA 200 electric: Powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 165kW and 335Nm. It utilizes a 58kWh usable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a WLTP-tested range of between 394km and 447km.
• GLA 250+ electric: Steps up to a larger 85kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack and a 200kW/335Nm front motor, unlocking a class-leading pure electric range of 577km to 657km (WLTP).
• GLA 350 4Matic electric: Adds a rear motor to create an all-wheel-drive dual-motor setup generating 260kW of power and 515Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0–100km/h in a brisk 5.4 seconds, offering between 555km and 643km of WLTP driving range from its 85kWh NMC battery.

New 1.5L Turbo 48V Mild-Hybrid Powertrain

For buyers not yet ready to transition to full electrification, Mercedes-Benz will offer a newly developed 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain.

Replacing the previous 1.3-litre engine, the new system features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 22kW / 250Nm electric motor integrated directly into a newly engineered eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (8F-eDCT).

Powered by a 1.3kWh 48V lithium-ion battery, the hybrid GLA can operate in pure-electric mode during low-speed urban creeping, coast with the petrol engine completely decoupled and deactivated at highway speeds above 100km/h, and recuperate up to 25kW of energy across all eight gears. Power outputs will range from 120kW to 140kW in front-wheel drive and 4Matic all-wheel drive configurations.

Dimensions and Practicality: Bigger Footprint, Added Frunk

Reflecting customer demand for improved interior space, the third-generation GLA is considerably larger than its predecessor:

• Length: 4,565 mm (+102 mm)
• Width: 1,873 mm (+39 mm)
• Height: 20 mm lower profile for a sportier stance
• Wheelbase: 2,790 mm (+61 mm)

The electric GLA also solves a major packaging complaint of the previous EQA by adding a 107-litre front luggage trunk (frunk) under the bonnet, large enough to hold a standard carry-on suitcase, charging cables, or sports gear. Additionally, the GLA 350 4Matic electric is rated to tow up to 2,000kg (braked) via an optional semi-electric hitch—a benchmark figure for compact luxury EVs.

Exterior Styling, MBUX Superscreen, and Sky Control

Visually, the new GLA aligns with the larger GLB, featuring an expansive front grille embedded with 608 illuminated polycarbonate light points and teardrop LED headlights containing chrome three-pointed stars. Flush pop-out door handles help reduce aerodynamic drag to a slippery 0.27 Cd.

Inside, physical buttons have been largely eliminated in favour of the MBUX Superscreen. The continuous glass housing unites a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and an available 14.0-inch front-passenger entertainment screen. Computing is driven by the AI-powered Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), featuring a Google-based AI virtual assistant, augmented-reality navigation, and support for over 40 third-party apps including YouTube and Disney+.

The optional Sky Control panoramic roof utilizes Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology across seven individually controllable glass segments, switching from clear to opaque in 10 to 20 milliseconds. At night, 172 micro-LED stars embedded in the glass illuminate in sync with the 64-colour ambient lighting to create an artificial starry night sky inside the cabin.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA Australian Pricing & Availability

Mercedes-Benz Australia will announce finalized local pricing, standard equipment lists, and model grade walk-ups closer to the vehicle's arrival in mid-2027.

(Note: Pricing listed below reflects official German market launch figures excluding and including local 19% VAT, provided alongside approximate AUD conversions for commercial context.)

Global Launch Pricing (German Market)

• Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 electric (58kWh / FWD) – €40,840 excl. VAT / €48,599 incl. VAT (Approx. $80,500 AUD)
• Mercedes-Benz GLA 250+ electric (85kWh / FWD) – €46,200 excl. VAT / €54,978 incl. VAT (Approx. $91,000 AUD)
• Mercedes-Benz GLA 350 4Matic electric (85kWh / AWD) – €48,830 excl. VAT / €58,107 incl. VAT (Approx. $96,200 AUD)

Australian Market Status

• Showroom Deliveries: Mid-2027
• Powertrain Options: Pure-Electric (GLA electric) & 1.5L 48V Mild-Hybrid Petrol (8F-eDCT)
• Target Competitors: Audi Q4 e-tron / Q3, BMW iX1 / X1, Volvo EX40 / XC40